The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), has commended Water and Sanitation for Urban Populations (WSUP) Ghana for its impactful interventions in enhancing urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in the country.

Speaking during a courtesy call by WSUP Ghana’s leadership, Hon. Ibrahim observed that the organisation’s reputation as a global leader in innovative WASH solutions, operating in six countries including Ghana since its establishment in 2010, WSUP has worked closely with government and district assemblies to expand access to safe water and sanitation, particularly for low-income urban communities.

The Minister acknowledged WSUP’s contributions to Ghana’s sanitation landscape, citing the construction of household toilets in Kumasi and Ga West, which has helped curb open defecation, rehabilitation of the Kumasi liquid waste treatment plant, provision of WASH facilities in schools, noting that these interventions have enhanced access, accountability and sustainability of sanitation services.

Touching on the policy front, Hon. Ibrahim praised WSUP’s pioneering efforts in promoting “Smart Enforcement” for sanitation compliance, supporting the gazetting of sanitation by-laws, and advocating for dedicated funding mechanisms, stressing that these align with government’s vision of strengthening local governance for effective sanitation service delivery.

He assured them of the Ministry’s commitment to deepening partnerships with WSUP to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation and encouraged them to continue collaborations with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to scale up successful models across the country.

The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustaining the partnership, stressing on the need to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable sanitation and hygiene systems that ensure the dignity and wellbeing of all Ghanaians, especially the vulnerable.

In his submission, the Country Manager for WSUP, Mr. Frank Ketty said the organization is a non-profit organization that works to improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene and partner with local governments and organisations to build infrastructure, strengthen utilities and support local entrepreneurs.

He outlined some of the projects they undertake and hinted that WSUP will on 16^th September 2025 launch the Ghana Business Plan 2025-2030 and used the occasion to invite the Ministry to support them and show up for the event.

Source: Chantal Aidoo.

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has called on Ghanaians to combine spiritual renewal with civic responsibility in order to build a just, united, and prosperous nation.

He made the call on Sunday, 7th September 2025, at the climax of the Apostolic Faith Church’s 2025 Camp Meeting Music Concert held at Chapel Hill, Aplaku. The event, attended by congregants from Ghana and other countries, was held on the theme: “Liberation… Thou Art Loosed” (Luke 13:12).

Hon. Ibrahim, who conveyed greetings from President John Dramani Mahama, said true liberation extended beyond the spiritual realm into social responsibility. He urged Christians to be agents of change by breaking the chains of poverty, inequality, violence, and discrimination in society.

“Liberation is not only a spiritual act but also a social responsibility,” he stressed. “It involves advocating for human rights, supporting the marginalised, and creating environments where justice and equality flourish.”

The Minister also drew attention to the relaunch of the National Sanitation Day on Saturday, 6th September 2025, by President Mahama, describing it as a flagship programme to promote cleanliness and safeguard public health. He encouraged both citizens and foreign nationals residing in Ghana to participate fully in the monthly clean-up exercises.

“The sanitation situation in the country remains dire. If we collectively embrace the National Sanitation Day, it can create the ripple effect we all seek,” he said, highlighting challenges such as open defecation, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and poor waste management practices.

Commending the Apostolic Faith Church for complementing government efforts in nation-building, Hon. Ibrahim urged the leadership to continue nurturing the youth with both spiritual grounding and practical skills, equipping them to be responsible citizens.

The Camp Meeting, which ended with a Thanksgiving Service, was marked by worship, music, and renewed commitment to faith and service.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(MLGCRA PR UNIT)

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has pledged the unwavering support of the Ghanaian media in the renewed fight against poor sanitation following the relaunch of the National Sanitation Day and Campaign.

Speaking at the event held on Saturday, 6th September 2025, at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), Madina, Mr. Dwumfuor commended the government and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for reviving the initiative, describing it as a cause that “strikes at the very core of our nation’s health, dignity, and future.”

He stressed that sanitation is not just a matter of infrastructure but a fundamental human right that impacts health, national pride, and economic productivity. The GJA President called for a comprehensive approach, including investments in sanitation infrastructure, public hygiene education, pragmatic policy enforcement, and active community engagement.

Mr. Dwumfuor emphasized the media’s role as watchdog, educator, and agenda-setter, noting that the GJA and its members will dedicate airtime, print space, and digital platforms to public education on waste management, sanitation bylaws, and positive examples. “We will stand solidly behind the National Sanitation Day campaign, sustain public education, and ensure the message of cleanliness reaches every household and community,” he said.

He further urged government to demonstrate sustained political will, calling for monthly engagements between the Ministry and the media to track progress and ensure accountability. “Together, we failed in the past to win the war against sanitation; we cannot fail this time,” he added.

The GJA President concluded with a call for shared responsibility, stating that achieving a clean Ghana will require consistency, discipline, and unity among citizens, assemblies, the private sector, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and the state.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(MLGCRA PR UNIT)